The following are some of the questions and queries visitors have about Leeds Art Gallery. We hope they will help you to understand a little more about what we do and why.
If you have your own FAQ email it to us at: leeds.art.gallery@leeds.gov.uk
Why was my favourite work of art not on show when I visited? The Leeds art collection is very large and of national significance. We can only ever show a small proportion of what we hold at any one time. Many of our most famous works are requested for loan by other museums and galleries around the world and we lend other paintings and sculptures to exhibitions in British galleries. Some of our artworks are displayed at our other sites for example at Temple Newsam House and Lotherton Hallwe also rotate or refresh our collection galleries regularly.
Why is the watercolour gallery so dark? The gallery where we show our works of art on paper is deliberately kept dark so that the light sensitive images are not damaged by light, both daylight and artificial light can damage works of art, particularly those on paper. This is why if you own any watercolours or prints it is best to hang them on a north facing wall and not to display them all the time. In general we change the exhibitions in this gallery every few months to reduce the light exposure time of the pictures.
Why can't I take photographs in the gallery? There are several reasons why we do not allow photography in the gallery, for security and conservation reasons and so as not to disturb other visitors. The main issue for us however is that for many of the more recent artworks the copyright in that work may still remain with the artist or their estate. Many works on show in the gallery will be on loan from other galleries and individuals who frequently do not permit photography. We also make income from the gallery by selling reproductions of some of our works. If you really need an image of an artwork for a project or for personal study contact the gallery and we may be able to provide a reproduction or allow it to be photographed, or look at our on line resource at www.leeds.gov.uk/artprints. This permission to photograph can only be given in writing in advance.
Why can I see schoolchildren taking photographs? This is only allowed by pre-booked school or college visits undertaken under supervision for personal study. Their school have agreed in advance to our conditions.
Why are visitors asked not to use mobile phones in the gallery? Again this is to prevent unauthorised photography or filming but also to prevent visitors being disturbed and spoiling their enjoyment of the exhibitions.
Why are galleries sometimes empty of exhibits when I visit? The gallery changes exhibitions regularly. The process of hanging an exhibition and taking it down can be slow and painstaking. It may be necessary to build new walls, change the lighting, build plinths and move cases into galleries and all works of art must be carefully documented, packed and crated away. This means that inevitably there are gaps, sometimes of several weeks between exhibitions depending on their complexity.
Can I sketch in the gallery? Yes you may draw and sketch in the gallery providing you do not cause disturbance to other gallery users. Please do not bring paints or other 'wet' materials into the gallery though.
Why are you not open until 12 noon on Wednesdays? Many museums and galleries close on Mondays to allow essential maintenance and other work to take place, however Leeds Art Gallery opens all day on Monday. Indeed the gallery has the longest opening hours of any of our sites, Wednesday mornings are used for tasks which cannot be done when we are open to the public and for staff training.
How can I get work exhibited in the gallery? You might want to submit work to our annual Open Show each summer - ask for an entry form with full details. Our exhibition programme is worked out 18 months to 2 years in advance. The programme is determined by gallery staff and takes account of our priorities to create an interesting, diverse and balanced programme. Applications from other galleries or artists can be submitted for consideration to the gallery, ask staff for more information on how to do this. Do not send in original artworks for consideration.